Balboa Pet Hospital

Canine Influenza

Canine Influenza Outbreak and Vaccinations in San Francisco

There is currently a serious outbreak of canine influenza going on in the Bay Area.

As of 1/8/2018 one emergency clinic has had an estimated 50 coughing dogs in the past week; three of these patients tested positive for canine influenza H3N2.

Both the H3N8 and H3N2 influenza strains are suspected to be the culprits in the current outbreak. Clinical signs can range from a mild cough to severe pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.

We recommend that unaffected dogs who will be exposed to other dogs (boarding, shows, dog park, grooming, or if they have been exposed to any dog that is coughing etc.) be vaccinated with the H3N2 /H3N8 influenza vaccine series available at our hospital. Once a dog is coughing, it is too late for the vaccine to be effective.

Thankfully, so far, treated cases have not been fatal.

If your dog is coughing or if you suspect your dog may have contracted this virus, testing is available to help confirm the diagnosis. We are currently requiring

the canine influenza vaccinations for all dogs boarding at our hospital. For an appointment to vaccinate or to request testing, please contact us at 1-415-752-3300 or email us today to make an appointment today!